Meet Mike Ryan, who works as a Corporate Beverage Director for Acurio International, a leading global restaurant company known for its Peruvian cuisine and its advocacy for Pisco. Previously, Mike was the National Director of Bars at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where he played a key role in shaping the beverage offerings at many unique restaurants.

Now, at Acurio International, Mike oversees the beverage program at all locations across the USA, LATAM, Europe, and the Middle East, including popular brands like La Mar, Tanta, Yakumanka, and the new concept, Jarana. His responsibilities include creating new beverage offerings, training staff, organizing systems, and ensuring that all locations meet Acurio International's high standards for quality and service.

Acurio International, founded by acclaimed chef Gastón Acurio, aims to share the flavors of Peruvian cuisine with the world. Since its launch in the United States in 2008, Acurio International has expanded to cities like Chicago, Miami, Barcelona, Dubai, and Doha, with its latest brand, Jarana, focusing on bringing approachable Peruvian cuisine to America.

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Headquartered in Lima, Peru, Acurio International and its parent company, Acurio Restaurantes, have created over a dozen restaurant brands and operate more than 70 venues in 10 countries across North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Mike Ryan is highly regarded as one of the most influential spirits buyers in the US market. Alongside Mike, the 2024 USA Trade Tasting Speakers Panel features other prominent figures from the US beverage industry, including:

Kaleigh Theriault, Director of Thought Leadership at NIQ Beverage and Alcohol Vertical

Julieta Campos, Beverage and Bar Operations Director at The Fifty/50 Group, Chicago

Ryan Crane, Strategy at Canopy Growth Corporation

Susan Danenberger, Winemaker/Owner at Danenberger Family Vineyards

Mark Guillaudeu, MS, Sommelier at Wrigley Mansion

Morgan Harris, Head Sommelier at Saison Hospitality

Arthur Hon, Beverage Director at the Modern-Union Square Hospitality Group

David Keck, MS, Master Sommelier and Owner at Stella14 Wines, VT

Ari Klafter, Head Distiller Thornton Distilling Company, and President, Illinois Craft Distillers Association

Jon McDaniel, Founder at Second City Soil

Sid Patel, CEO and Founder of Beverage Trade Network

Daisy Penzo, Founder and CEO of Tuscany Wines Import

Wesley Phillips, Business Development Manager at Glunz Beer

Brian Rosen, Chairman of InvestBev

Cassie Sakai, Corporate Director of Beverage Operations - Gibsons Restaurant Group

Caroline Schrader, Winemaker at City Winery Chicago

Raj Sabharwal, Founding Partner at Glass Revolution Imports

Kimberly Shannon, Beer, Wine and Liquor Specialist at Giant Eagle, Inc

Rachel Speckan, Portfolio Manager at Maverick Wine Co

Abraham Vucekovich, Beverage Director at Meadowlark Hospitality

Christopher Bauer, Vice President, National Sales at Wein Bauer